The traveling exhibition Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints – Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil has opened at the AUC Woodruff Library. On loan from the arts organization Con/Vida – Popular Arts of the Americas, the exhibit is making its premiere in the South on its national tour.

Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints – Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil presents popular art from Brazil’s Northeast to tell the story of how European, African, and indigenous cultural traditions have interacted over a period of more than 500 years to form the distinctive culture of this fascinating area of Brazil. On display are 56 pieces of artwork of paintings, prints, wood carvings, and photographs by 21 popular artists. Visitors will learn about slavery in Brazil, about the plantation economy, the popular heroes and heroic acts of resistance in the face of adversity, and the raucous escapades of legendary outlaws and bandits of Brazil’s “Wild West.” Visitors will also encounter the widely practiced spiritual traditions that give meaning and cohesiveness to people’s lives in Brazil’s Northeast.

“We’re excited to bring this impressive exhibit to Atlanta and host it at our library,” said Loretta Parham, CEO and director of the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. “Visitors will be drawn into the colorful culture, history, and people of Brazil’s Northeast and become explorers on an extraordinary visual and educational journey.”

Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints – Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil was organized by Con/Vida– Popular Arts of the Americas with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Michigan Humanities Council, with additional support from Wayne State University and the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The exhibition will remain on view at the AUC Woodruff Library until May 18, 2015. Visit the research guide for directions and hours as well as additional information about the exhibition.

To learn more, about Con/Vida – Popular Arts of the Americas, visit www.convida.org. For information on the Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints – Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil exhibit, visit banditsandheroes.org.